Electrical distribution.



N. JOLEEN. ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION. APPLICATION man MAY 28. m4.

1,159,040. Patented N0v.2,1915.

A tags mans JoLEENfor omoaeo, rumors.

ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented N v. 2, 1915.

Application filed May 28, 1914. Serial No. 841,442.

To all whom it may concern: .Be it known that I, NELS JoLEEN, a c1t1-zen of the United States, residing at hi-" cago, in the county of CookandState of 5 Illinois, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Electrical Distribution, of which the following is afull, clear, concise, and exact description, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings, forming :1 art of this specification.

lVIy invention relates to a system of electrical distribution. In moderncentral station practice it is desirable to operate the power generatingapparatus continuously at a uniform load for the obvious reason ofpromoting eiiiciency and good service. To secure this, it is necessaryto prevent, as far as possible, any considerable fluctuation of load atthe consumers stations. One manner of promoting this is to fix thecharges for power upon a basis of maximum demand. This subjects theconsumer to a charge extending over a given period of time which chargeis largely in proportiorrto the maximum amount which he has demandedduring such time. In many cases, consumers using a large total currentemploy a number of units each taking a varying amount of power. Thetotal maximum capacity of these units is usually in excess of themaximum which the consumer would demand if the various units wereoperated in such a manner that when one unit would be performingoperation requiring a large amount of power, an-

other unit would be doing work requiring a small amount of power orwould be stopped altogether.

The main object which this invention has in view is to provide means toaid the consumer in maintaining a fairly constant load, although usingunits demanding varying amounts of power.

Another object of the invention is to provide means which willautomatically reduce the total load when a condition of peak load isapproached.

In the accompanying drawing, which forms part of this specification, Ihave so shown diagrammatically a system embodying my invention. Theinvention is not to be considered as limited to the above specificembodiment, as I have shown the same to illustrate an operativeembodiment of the invention in order to comply with the stat utesgoverning in such a case.

The diagram of the figure represents a consumers station connected tothe three phase mains 1, 2 and 3. Four units, each consuming variousamounts of current, are indicated in the drawing as a motor 4, atransformer 5, a rotary converter 6 and another motor 7. It is to beunderstood that these devices are merely diagrammatic and illustrativeof the various units which a consumer might employ. It is to beunderstood further that any number of units of any preferred capacitymay be employed as this feature forms no part of the invention.

A maximum demand indicator 10 of any preferred construction is connectedin the mains 1, 2 and-3 adjacent the main switch 11, both of thesedevices being preferably placed on a switch board or panel.

Here'tofore in operating a number of motors or other pieces ofapparatus, the consumer has been unable to limit the maximum demand toany precise or even approximate figure as the operators of the variousmachines have no knowledge of the conditions obtaining in the circuitsand each one of the devices may be drawing a maximum when the same isentirely unnecessary. F or instance, if a number of cranes are employed,it would be entirely possible for each one of the cranes to be lifting aheavy weight all at the same time but obviously this is not necessary inthe ordinary operation of a yard as one crane might be doing light workwhen another is lifting a particularly heavy ob ect since both classesof objects are available to the various cranes.

A relay 12 is connected in series with one of the phases, in this casephase 3, andassuming a balanced load, the current flowing through thisrelay is proportional to the entire current flowing in the mains, andhence, to the power consumed.

It is obvious that instead of the relay being placed directly in series,it may be operated on a series transformer connected to one or more ofthe mains. An alarm 13' connected in a circuit 14 is controlled by therelay 12 whenever the current in the mains raises to a predeterminedvalue. The relay 12 may be adjusted to respond to definite currentvalues as indicated on the scale 15. The relay may be graduated in termsof current or in terms of kilowatts, inasmuch as the voltage across themains is practically constant. This relay is preferably of the timelimit type requiring a certain time within which it operates after theattainment of the current to which it has been set for operation. Thismay be secured in a number of ways well known in the art. I have shownthe relay as controlled by an air dash pot 16 and a plunger 17. Thespeed of the plunger may be regulated by the adjusting screw 18 whichcontrols the vent 19. This showing is merely diagrammatic and anypreferred type of time element may be employed to secure a time intervaleither before anymoveinent of the contacts occur or between the time ofopening one contact and closing another. The position of the solenoidcore with respect to the solenoid may be varied to secure response to apredetermined current value in the winding of said solenoid. I haveindicated this by adjusting means 20 but it is understood that this ismerely diagrammatic and any preferred means may be employed. This timelimit relay 12 controls two pairs of switch points 21 and 22, the switchpoints 21 being connected in the alarm circuit 14 and the switch points22 being connected in .the circuit of a solenoid 23 operating a remotecontrol switch 24.

The bridging contact 25 of the relay is normally in contact with theswitch points 22 to maintain the remote control switch 24 in closedposition when the main switch 11 is closed. The remote control switch 24is connected in the circuit of the motor 7. This motor represents a loadof less importance than the loads 4. 5 and 6 and may be disconnected fora time without any considerable disadvantage. By disconnecting thismotor the load upon the entire system is decreased so that if the excesscurrent taken at this time be not too great disconnection of this load 7will bring the total load below the predetermined maximum. The remotecontrol switch 24 is normally held in closed position by the action ofthe solenoid upon the core 27. This core, when attracted by thesolenoid, swings the lever 28 about the pivot 29 to inclose the bridgingcontacts 30. A manual switch 32 and a motor controller 33 may also beprovided in the circuit of the motor 7.

In order to maintain the load balanced at all times each one of thefeeder circuits to the various loads may be provided with the protectivedevice shown at the right of the figure. This comprises a remote controlswitch 35 operated by a solenoid 36 by means of the lever 37. Solenoidsconnected in each one of the feeder mains 37, 38 and 39 close a circuitatcontacts 41 for the solenoid 36 to maintain the switch 35 in closedposition. Rupture of any one of the phases will, of course, open theseries circuit containing the contacts 41 to open the main switch 35.

Upon repair of the broken main the relays 42 connected in series to anartificial load 43 through the lower contacts 44 of the relays 40 closethe circuit of the remote control switch through series contacts 45insuring a balancing of the phases at all times. The use of thisprotective device, is optional and forms no part of the presentinvention.

The operation of the system is as follows: The relay 12 is adjusted atthe desired maximum point above which the customer does not desire theconsumption of power to rise. Suppose the legitimate maximum at which itwould be possible to operate economically on the apparatus at theconsumers station to be 100 K. the relay 12 Will then be set at thatfigure. l1 and 32 are closed and that each one of the loads is drawingcurrent, the relay 12 Assuming that the switches will not be operateduntil the predetermined maximum of K. W. is exceeded. When this occurs,the first action of relay 12 will be to cause opening of the circuit ofthe motor 7 to relieve the load. If this is suflicient to take care ofthe temporarily excessive demand,-the alarm 13 will not be sounded as atime interval elapses before the contact 25 can close the alarm circuit14. Upon the cessation of the excessive demand, the switch 24 will againbe closed as the relay 12 drops back to normal. The motor 7 will againstart up in the usual manner. If disconnection of the motor 7 isinsuflicient to bring the power demand below the maximum, the contact 25will close the circuit 14 at the contacts 21 and cause the alarm 13 tobe sounded. A number of alarms may be connected at various points sothat the attendants or operators at the various electrical devices,which constitute the load, may be apprised of the condition obtaining inthe circuit. Each operator or attendant will thereupon make eiforts toreduce the load to the point where the alarm is no longer sounded;thereby they will know that the predetermined maximum is not beingexceeded. The instructions issued to each attendant or operator will beto the effect that under no condition shall the alarm be allowed tosound, and if it should sound, to reduce the load to the point where thealarm cease. This can very readily be brought about without any loss oftime, especially in such place as where a number of operations demandinggreater or less amounts of power are to be performed by the variousmachines which constitute the load. Thus if one of the motors is engagedin a particular piece of work demanding a very considerable amount ofpower, another motormay, without any loss, be employed on a piece ofwork demanding a small amount of power. By thus securing a cooperationof the operators of the various machines a practically uniform load maybe attained on the supply mains.

The alarm circuit 14 is shown as connected 2, 3. It is obvious that thetransformer may be fed by a separate source of current. It is alsoobvious that the maximum demand relay 12 may be employed under a loadwhich is not balanced as the setting of this relay does not need to beof very great exactness.

I may also employ a number of these relays operating at difierent powerdemands or at different time intervals for sounding an alarm. I may alsoconnect thereto a greater or less number of remote control re lays forshutting down loads of minor importance, such as the load 7, to bringthe demand of power within a predetermined maximum. This system ofsecuring cotiperation between the various machines in order to confinethe demand within a predetermined maximum is applicable not only to athree phase system of electrical distribution, but to a system of anyother number of phases or to a direct current system, the particulartype of transmission being of no part of the essence of my invention.The particular practical advantage secured by the invention is acocperation' of the operators of the various loads to perform thedesired operations in such a manner as not to exceed the predeterminedmaximum.

The invention above described is capable of use in difierent relationsand under different conditions and may be subject to numerousmodifications which may at once be apparent to those skilled in the art,but if consider that the above fall within the scope and spirit of myinvention as I consider the invention as broadly new.

lVhile l have described and shown a particular embodiment of myinvention, I do not intend, in any manner, to be limited by the detailsof the embodiment so shown and described, except as such limitations mayform part of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the UnitedStates is:

1. In a maximum demand meter system,

electrical distribution mains, a relay in se-' ries relation with saidmains, said relay operable upon a predetermined current value, an alarm,a circuit therefor controlled by said relay, and timing means to delaythe action of said relay after said predetermined current value isattained. o

2. In a maximum demand. system, a maximum demand meter having a definitetime limit for allowing excess current to be drawn, distributing mainsin series with the maximum demand meter, a relay in series relation withsaid meter, analarm circuit controllable by said relay, and a timingelement for delaying the action of said relay in controlling said alarmcircuit.

3. In a maximum demand system, a maximum demand meter, distributingmains in series with said meter, a relay in series relation with saldmeter, an alarm circu t controllable by said relay, and a timing elementfor delaying the action of said relay in controlling said alarm circuit,said timing element being adjusted to cause the ply mains feeder mainsconnected thereto,

a maximum demand meter in series with said feeder mains, relay means inseries relation with said feeder mains, said relay means being operableupon substantially the predetermined-maximum current which it is desiredto maintain, a normally open alarm circuit adapted to be closed by saidrelay means, and timing means governing said relay means to delay theclosing of said alarm circuit after the predetermined maximum value isattained.

6. In a system of the class described, supply mains, a plurality offeeder circuits connected to said supply mains, said'feeder-circuitshaving translating devices therein requiring variable amounts ofcurrent, an alarm, and a magnet connected in series relation to saidsupply mains, said magnet operating upon a predetermined value ofcurrent in said mains for reducing the power demand of a particular oneof said translating devices and thereafter to cause sounding of saidalarm.

7. In a system of the class described, supply mains, a plurality offeeder circuits connected to said supply mains, said feeder-circuitshaving translating devices therein requiring variable amounts ofcurrent, an alarm and electroresponsive means operable by apredetermined current value in said mains for reducing the power demandof a particular one of said translating de ices and thereafter to causeactuation of said alarm, said electroresponsive means connected inseries relation with said main.

8. in a system of the class described, supply mains, a plurality offeeder circuits connected to said supply mains, said feeder-circuitshaving translating devices therein requiring variable amounts ofcurrent, a nor- 9, In a system of the class described, supply mains, aplurality of feeder circuits connected to said supply mains, said feedercircuits having translating devices therein requiring variable amountsof current, a normally open alarm circuit having relay means connectedin series relation'to said supply mains, said relay means operable -on apredeterminedcurrent value for reducing the power demand of a particularone of said translating devices and thereafter to close said alarmcircuit only upon the occurrence of a predetermined current in saidmains for a predetermined time.

10. In a' system of the class described,

supply mains, a plurality of feeder circuits connected to said saidsupply mains, said feeder-circuits having translating devices requiringvariable amounts of current, a normally open alarm circuit, relay meansconected in series relation to said supply ains, said relay beingoperable on a predetermined current value for reducin power demand of aparticular one 0 said translating devices and thereafter to close saidalarm circuit only upon the occurrence of a predetermined current valuein said mains for a predetermined time, said relay means having means toalter the effect of,

devices and thereafter to close said alarm' circuit only upon theoccurrence of a predetermined current in said mains for a predeterminedtime, said relay having means to alter the time within which it respondsto the predetermined currentvalue.

12. In a system of the class described, supply mains, a plurality offeeder circuits of various relative importance, a switch in a circuit ofless importance, a normally open .alarm circult, a relay connected inseries relation with said supply mains and operable to open said switchupon the attainment of a total current value in said malns in excessthearaaoao of a predetermined maximum, said relay being 0 erable only uponthe attainment oi a pre etermined maximum value of current in said mainsto open said feeder circuit and to close said alarm circuit.

13. In combination, supply mains, a plurality of feeder-circuitsconnected thereto, said feeder-circuits having translating devicesrequiring varying amounts of power,

said translating devices being under the control of the attendant fordetermining the distribution of current thereto, an alarm device, arelay device operable on a given current value in said mains to firstredistribute the current among said translating devices and upontheexpiration of a predetermined time to give an alarm bysaid alarm devicefor attaining a second redistribution of current.

14:. In combination, supply mains, a plu rality of feeder-circuitsconnected thereto, saidfeeder-circuits having translating devicesrequiring'varying amounts of power, said translating devices being underthe control of the attendants for determining the distribution ofcurrent thereto, relay means in series relation with said supply mains,said relay means operable on a given current value to redistribute thecurrent among said translating devices, alarm means operated by saidrelay device only after said redistribution of the current, said alarmmeans being actuated to warn the operators of an excessive flow ofcurrent through said supply mains to said translating devices.

15. In combination, supply mains, a plurality of feeder-circuitsconnected to said mains, said feeder-circuits having translating devicestherein requiring variable amounts of current, a maximum-demand meterfor said plurality of feeder-circuits, a relay in series relation withsaid maximum-demand meter, means'for reducing the power-demand on one ofsaid feeder-circuits, and alarm means for said feeder-cincuits, saidrelay operating said first means at substantially a lower value than themaximum demand and operating said alarm means at substantially or'abovemaximum' demand. v

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 14th day of May,A. D. 1914i NELS JOLEEN. Witnesses:

JOHN-,A. DIRNNER, LEONARD W. NOVANDER.

